In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Commissioned officer” means a Forest and Park Warden or Forest and Park Ranger having the meaning stated in Natural Resources Article, §5-206, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Developed areas” means those areas within a State park that have permanent facilities and those areas surrounding the facilities. “Park officer” means a commissioned officer, and may include the manager, rangers, or other personnel employed by the State to manage and regulate the use of State parks. “Service” means the Maryland Park Service, a unit of the Department of Natural Resources. “State park” means a unit of the State park system. “State park road” means a road on or adjacent to a State park which is maintained or constructed and maintained by the Service. “Superintendent” means the Superintendent of the Maryland Park Service, which is a unit of the Department of Natural Resources. “Undeveloped area” means those areas within a State park not having permanent facilities. Vehicle. “Vehicle” means a mode of transportation by which an individual or property may be transported on a waterway or highway. “Vehicle” includes: Vessels; Trailers; Automobiles; Trucks; Buses; Mopeds; Animals; Animal-drawn vehicles; and Bicycles. Vessel. “Vessel” means a type of watercraft, other than a seaplane, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water or ice. “Vessel” includes: The vessel's motor, spars, sails, and accessories; and Ice boats. The State park system is administered under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Park Service to preserve and protect the best of Maryland’s natural and historic places for the enjoyment and appreciation of its citizens. State parks are managed to provide a multitude of public benefits, including: Natural resource conservation; Cultural and historic preservation; Watershed protection; Education and interpretation; and Nature-based outdoor recreation, including: Trails; Picnicking; Boating; Camping; Cabins; Hunting; Fishing; and Swimming. The State park system includes four sub-designations that have specific management objectives: Natural Resources Management Areas. Natural resources management areas are generally State parks that feature an undeveloped, agrarian landscape of woodlands, fields and agriculture. Natural resources management areas are managed for the primary benefit of wildlife habitat, sustainable farming and passive, nature-based recreation, such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and boat access. Historic site preservation and non-motorized trail use, including hiking, equestrian uses and mountain biking are also common in some natural resources management areas. Natural Environment Areas. Natural environment areas are generally State parks with significant or unique geological or ecological resources, including rare, threatened and endangered flora and fauna. Natural environment areas are often managed in cooperation with the Wildlife and Heritage Service, to preserve and restore the park’s unique natural resources and biological diversity. Recreation development is secondary to preservation objectives with a primary focus on interpretation and environmental education. State Battlefields. State battlefields are State parks that feature the preservation of an historic battlefield of State or national significance associated with the site of a documented battle fought by the armed forces or militia of the United States. Development is limited to providing public access and interpretation, while preserving the integrity of the battlefield grounds and historic features. Rail Trails. Rail trails are State parks that feature the conversion of a former railroad right-of-way to a recreational trail open to hiking, biking and equestrian uses. Rail trails include adjacent lands preserved along the Rail trail as a greenway corridor, which provides natural scenery, wildlife habitat and natural and historical resource conservation. Historic features are preserved and interpreted along Rail Trails, including the history of the former railroad and its remnants. The Superintendent may regulate activities and uses of each State park in accordance with the designations and sub-designations provided in this regulation. The State park system consists of the following areas in §§E—I of this regulation, as delineated on maps filed in the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources. State Parks. Assateague ———————— Worcester Big Run ————————— Garrett Bill Burton Fishing Pier ——— Talbot, Dorchester Calvert Cliffs —————— Calvert Casselman River Bridge —————— Garrett Chapel Point —————— Charles Chapman —————— Charles Cunningham Falls —————— Frederick Dans Mountain —————— Allegany Deep Creek Lake —————— Garrett Elk Neck —————— Cecil Fort Frederick —————— Washington Fort Tonoloway —————— Washington Franklin Point —————— Anne Arundel Gambrill —————— Frederick Gathland —————— Frederick, Washington Greenbrier —————— Washington Greenwell —————— St. Mary’s Gunpowder Falls —————— Baltimore, Harford Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad —————— Dorchester Hart-Miller Island —————— Baltimore Herrington Manor —————— Garrett Janes Island —————— Somerset Jonas Green —————— Anne Arundel Love Point —————— Queen Anne’s Martinak —————— Caroline Matapeake —————— Queen Anne’s Matthew Henson —————— Montgomery New Germany —————— Garrett Newtowne Neck —————— St. Mary’s North Point —————— Baltimore Palmer —————— Harford Patapsco Valley —————— Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Howard Patuxent River —————— Howard, Montgomery Pocomoke River —————— Worcester Milburn Landing Area —————— Worcester Shad Landing Area —————— Worcester Point Lookout —————— St. Mary’s Rocks —————— Harford Rocky Gap —————— Allegany Rosaryville —————— Prince George’s Sandy Point —————— Anne Arundel Sang Run —————— Garrett Seneca Creek —————— Montgomery Smallwood —————— Charles South Mountain —————— Frederick, Washington St. Clements Island —————— St. Mary’s St. Mary’s River —————— St. Mary’s Susquehanna —————— Harford, Cecil Swallow Falls —————— Garrett Tuckahoe —————— Caroline, Queen Anne’s Washington Monument —————— Washington Wills Mountain —————— Allegany Wolf Den Run —————— Garrett Wye Oak —————— Talbot Natural Resources Management Areas. Black Walnut Point —————— Talbot Bohemia River —————— Cecil Bush Declaration —————— Harford Cypress Branch —————— Kent Deep Creek Lake —————— Garrett Fair Hill —————— Cecil Merkle —————— Calvert, Prince George’s Monocacy —————— Frederick, Montgomery Patuxent River —————— Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s Billingsley —————— Prince George’s Croom —————— Prince George’s Full Mill Branch —————— Prince George’s Hall Creek —————— Calvert House Creek —————— Anne Arundel Indian Creek —————— Charles Kings Landing —————— Calvert Maxwell Hall —————— Prince George’s Milltown Landing —————— Prince George’s Spice Creek —————— Prince George’s Upper Patuxent —————— Prince George’s Chaney —————— Prince George’s Honey Branch —————— Prince George’s Pride Finance —————— Prince George’s Uhler —————— Prince George’s Sassafras —————— Kent Woodmont —————— Washington Wye Island —————— Queen Anne’s Natural Environment Areas. Belt Woods —————— Prince George’s Mattawoman —————— Charles, Prince George’s Morgan Run —————— Carroll Severn Run —————— Anne Arundel Soldiers Delight —————— Baltimore Youghiogheny Wild River —————— Garrett Zekiah Swamp —————— Prince George’s State Battlefields. North Point —————— Baltimore South Mountain —————— Washington Rail Trails Torrey C. Brown —————— Baltimore Western Maryland —————— Washington Weverton-Roxbury —————— Washington General. The Superintendent may establish designated hunting areas, species to be hunted, methods of harvest, seasons, and weapons to be used within the State park system. The designated areas shall be published annually in the Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland, available from the Department. The areas open to hunting shall be posted. The Superintendent shall establish areas for training and running of hunting dogs. The hunting season in all designated areas shall be in accordance with State and federal laws and regulations. An individual may not construct permanent game shooting stands, or use stationary blinds for hunting in State parks. The Service reserves the right to construct these facilities and regulate their use. Except by written permit, an individual may not trap or attempt to trap game in a State park. The permit shall be issued by the Superintendent. An individual may not hunt in violation of provisions of a permit issued for the purpose of hunting in a State park. Baiting or Feeding. Except by written permit issued by the Service, on any State-owned or State-controlled properties open to public hunting, an individual may not place or cause to be placed or scatter or distribute: Shucked or unshucked corn, wheat, or other grain; Salt; or Other feed. An individual may not hunt, shoot, or kill, or attempt to hunt, shoot, or kill a game bird or a mammal by the aid of bait, on or over a baited area. Definition. In this regulation, “weapon” means: A device capable of propelling a projectile at high velocity by mechanical means, by explosion, or by expanding gas, including, but not limited to a firearm, crossbow, or longbow; A dirk knife, bowie knife, switchblade, sand club, metal knuckles, razor, or nunchaku; and A device capable of: Inflicting death or bodily harm to an individual; Maiming or destroying wildlife; or Destroying property. Except as provided in Regulation .03 of this chapter and in §§C and D of this regulation, an individual other than a law enforcement officer may not possess a weapon in a State park. The Service may approve an exception for an archery range, firearms range, or an exhibition. During hunting season, a licensed hunter may carry firearms and bows and arrows across State parks in order to get to hunting areas or to other State or private property which is open to hunting. The firearms shall be carried unloaded and cased, or carried unloaded with breech open or broken. Arrows shall be carried in a quiver or case. Target shooting is permitted at designated shooting ranges. The regulations governing the use of these ranges shall be posted and strictly observed. Except in a posted area, an individual may fish in the waters of a State park for finfish, if the individual complies with State fishing laws. Permit. Fishing for other than finfish is by permit only. A permit shall be issued by the Superintendent. This regulation does not apply to employees of the Department on official business. The Superintendent may, by notice, close areas of State parks to public entry and travel. An individual, vehicle, or vessel may not enter or remain on lands or waters owned or managed by the Service after posted hours of closing to public use. A vehicle remaining on lands or waters after the posted hours of closing to public use, or on areas closed to public entry, may be removed and placed in storage at the owner's expense. Unless posted as prohibited, an individual may wade or swim in State park waters. An individual may establish a camp or occupy a cabin in a State park, if a permit is obtained from the Service. The use of the camp or cabin is limited to the: Area; Number of individuals specified; and Period specified in the permit. A permit may be revoked by a park official. An individual may not use the property or resources of a State park for commercial gain without obtaining a permit from the Superintendent. Unless a permit is obtained from the Service, an individual may not sell, hire, or lease an object of merchandise, or a vessel or vehicle designed or used for the transportation of passengers or property. An individual shall obtain a permit from the Service before kindling, building, maintaining, or using a fire in an area of a State park not designated for fires. The Service may revoke the permit for violation of this condition. A fire permit may be revoked at any time by a park officer. A fire shall be continuously under the surveillance of a competent individual 16 years old or older. A fire shall be extinguished before the responsibility of the permittee ends. An individual may not discard a burning object within a State park. Unless a permit is obtained from the Service, an individual may not erect or post a sign, notice, or literature in a State park. Except in containers provided by the Service, an individual may not deposit garbage, sewage, waste, foodstuffs, paper, or other litter in a State park. An individual may not possess a glass container or other hazardous object in a swimming area, beach, or other area of a State park where this is prohibited. An individual may not deposit in Service-provided containers any garbage, sewage, foodstuffs, paper, or other litter originating from a private residence, commercial business, or other source outside of State park boundaries. This regulation does not apply to park personnel in the performance of their duties. In a State park an individual may not: Remove, disturb, damage, or destroy a plant, rock, mineral, or animal; Cut down, remove, or destroy a tree; or Feed, touch, tease, frighten, or intentionally disturb wildlife. The Service may issue permits for the removal of any item listed in this regulation. The collection or possession of animals shall be in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §10-902, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR 08.03.08. The Service shall regulate the use of State park roads. Roads may be closed to traffic if the Service determines this action is necessary. Instruction from a park officer to reduce the speed of a vehicle, to bring it to a stop, to alter its direction, or remove it from a restricted area shall be obeyed immediately. Docking. An individual may not dock a vessel in an area posted against docking. Traffic on State park roads is subject to motor vehicle laws. The following acts are prohibited on State park roads not under the jurisdiction of the State Highway Administration or a county: Driving or parking a vehicle within or on a safety zone, walk, trail, or other area not designated and customarily used for vehicular traffic; Except for the time required to receive or discharge passengers, permitting a vehicle to stand outside a designated parking space; Permitting a vehicle to obstruct traffic by unnecessary stopping; Driving a vehicle over a State park road at a speed greater than that posted by the Service; Riding an animal, or driving or parking an animal-drawn vehicle in a developed area without permission of the Service; Driving a vehicle over a State park road in violation of traffic control devices placed by the Service; Permitting a vehicle to stand, park, or remain in a State park area after posted closing hours; and Permitting a vehicle to be parked or remain in a parking space exceeding the posted time without paying the parking fees. Parking Violations. Fines or penalties for parking violations shall be paid directly to the Service. An individual issued a citation for a parking violation may elect to stand trial by notifying the Service. An illegally parked vehicle may be removed and placed in storage at the owner's expense. An individual may not make use of, or gain admittance to, a facility or activity in a State park for which there is a fee, unless the fee is paid. An individual 62 years old or older shall be admitted to day-use areas free of an admittance charge, if the individual submits proof of age and registers with the Service. An individual who has a disability that is permanent and substantially limits one or more major life activities shall be admitted to day-use areas free of an admittance charge, if the individual registers with the Service. Except under special permit, or lease from the Service, grazing of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, or domestic animals is not allowed in a State park. Developed Areas. Except for guide service dogs, pets of any kind are not allowed on a picnic area, cabin area, camping area, or other restricted area of a State park. The Service reserves the right to designate pet areas in a State park. In these areas pets shall be on a leash with a maximum length of 6 feet. Undeveloped Areas. Pets are permitted on a leash with a maximum length of 10 feet. The policy of the Service is to safeguard the archeological resources under its care. The guidelines in §§B and C of this regulation shall be followed. Without a permit from the Office of Archeology, Maryland Historical Trust, Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Department, an individual may not dig in search of buried relics or treasures, remove prehistoric or historic artifacts, or use metal detectors, except as provided in §D of this regulation, within the boundaries of lands, beaches, or under waters controlled by the Service. Permits are issued to archeologists and other qualified individuals who present a plan for scientific investigation to be carried out under provisions of the Maryland Archeological Historic Properties Act, Article 83B, §§5-623—5-628, Annotated Code of Maryland. Copies of the law and application for permit can be obtained from the Chief, Office of Archeology, Maryland Historical Trust, 100 Community Place, Crownsville, MD 21032. Metal Detector Exception. An exception to the permit requirements of this regulation is for the use of a metal detector in the search for modern coins, jewelry, and other items on designated swimming beaches operated by the Service, with the exceptions of Point Lookout and Calvert Cliffs. An individual shall obtain permission to use a metal detector as set forth in this regulation from the Service. A metal detector may be used during normal park hours with the following exceptions: 9 a.m. through dusk from May 30 through Labor Day; and Other times at the discretion of the park manager. An individual younger than 21 years old may not transport or possess an intoxicating beverage within a State park. An individual may not consume or possess an open container of an intoxicating beverage on a parking lot, roadway, trail, or other designated area within a State park. The Superintendent may prohibit intoxicating beverages in an area of a State park. Permit. Intoxicating beverages are permitted in designated picnic shelters or other designated areas of a State park if the person who reserves the designated shelter or the designated area purchases an alcohol permit for $35. An alcohol permit may be revoked for cause by the Service, a Natural Resources police officer, or any law enforcement officer. An individual may not act in a disorderly manner in a State park by: Making loud and unseemly noises or profanely cursing, swearing, or using obscene language; Indecently exposing their person or performing an indecent act; Throwing missiles, to the annoyance of the public; Interfering with, encumbering, obstructing, or rendering dangerous any public place; Engaging in, instigating, or encouraging a confrontation or fight; Operating a generator or electronic audio equipment, or playing a musical instrument at a sound level annoying to other park users, with the use of these prohibited after posted hours of permissible operation; or Causing a disturbance of the public peace. An individual shall obey a lawful or reasonable order of a park warden or law enforcement officer in connection with the enforcement of Natural Resources laws, regulations, or other State laws. Without a permit, an individual may not possess or use fireworks or other explosive or combustible devices intended for the creation of a display of noise, light, or smoke in a State park. Bow and Arrow Ranges. The following restrictions apply on field archery courses, as established by or with the permission of the Service: Only field tip or blunt arrows shall be used; An individual may shoot only at established targets; and An individual may not use the range outside the posted hours of operation. The Superintendent may establish regulations for the use of the range. Firearms Range. The following restrictions apply on firearms ranges established by or with the permission of the Service: The number of shooters using a range may not exceed the posted range capacity; Shooting is permitted at paper targets only; Targets may not be placed on a portion of a baffle, and shall be located 3 to 4 feet from ground level; Fully automatic weapons are prohibited; An individual may not use the range outside the posted hours of operation; and An individual younger than 18 years old shall be accompanied by an adult when shooting. Private encroachments are prohibited on State park land. Encroachments include, but are not limited to: Fences; Walls; Dog runs; Dog houses; Storage structures; Driveways; Compost piles; Swimming pools; Tree houses; Play houses; Woodpiles; Gardens; Play equipment; Television or radio reception devices; and Other devices, structures, refuse, or material. Private mowing, clearing, application of chemicals, and other maintenance activities are prohibited on State park lands. Exceptions to this regulation may be issued by the Superintendent to lessees of the State and to private concerns when an activity would be in the best interest of the State. The Service may restrict the use of bicycles and electric bicycles, subject to COMAR 08.01.10, and animals on certain trails in a State park. Unless a permit is obtained from the Service an individual may not use an amplifier, loudspeaker, or other similar equipment in a State park. The permit may specify conditions for use, and the Service may revoke the permit for violation of conditions of the permit. An individual may launch a vessel only in designated areas. Gasoline Engines. Except by park personnel in the performance of their duties, a vessel with a gasoline engine may not be operated on a lake, pond, or other impoundment of water in a State park. The Service may waive this prohibition for programs and events sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources. Restricted Areas. Vessels are prohibited in swimming areas and other designated areas. Limited Capacity of Lake. The number of private vessels permitted on a lake at a given time may not exceed the posted limit. Swimming from Vessels. An individual may not swim or dive from a vessel in a lake or impoundment operated by the Service. Harbor of Refuge. Except in designated areas or when used as a harbor of refuge, the overnight storage of private vessels in a State park is prohibited. Natural Resources Article, §5-209, Annotated Code of Maryland Effective dates: Regulations .01— .23 amended effective July 9, 1975 (2:15 Md. R. 1069) Regulation .01F-1 amended effective August 1, 1983 (10:15 Md. R. 134) Regulation .02B—H amended effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397) Regulation .02C and I amended, and .02J adopted effective August 1, 1983 (10:15 Md. R. 134) Regulation .02D amended effective July 16, 1984 (11:14 Md. R. 1249); October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2467) Regulation .02 amended effective October 22, 1984 (11:21 Md. R. 1810) Regulation .02E amended effective January 14, 1985 (12:1 Md. R. 15); January 26, 1987 (14:2 Md. R. 127) Regulation .02H amended effective July 16, 1984 (11:14 Md. R. 1249); July 6, 1992 (19:13 Md. R. 1201) Regulation .02I amended effective June 15, 1987 (14:12 Md. R. 1349) Regulation .03 adopted effective September 1, 1974 (1:1 Md. R. 69) Regulation .03 amended effective July 16, 1984 (11:14 Md. R. 1249); October 22, 1984 (11:21 Md. R. 1810); September 23, 1985 (12:19 Md. R. 1847) Regulation .03A amended effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397) Regulation .03B amended effective August 4, 1976 (3:16 Md. R. 852); February 2, 1981 (7:22 Md. R. 2072); October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2467); September 30, 1991 (18:19 Md. R. 2098); August 17, 1992 (19:16 Md. R. 1473) Regulation .03B, C amended as an emergency provision effective December 17, 1992 (20:1 Md. R. 25); amended permanently effective March 29, 1993 (20:6 Md. R. 580) Regulation .03C, D adopted effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397) Regulation .03C amended effective February 2, 1981 (7:22 Md. R. 2072); January 26, 1987 (14:2 Md. R. 127); October 19, 1987 (14:21 Md. R. 2222); October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2467); February 19, 1990 (17:3 Md. R. 296); January 7, 1991 (17:26 Md. R. 2974); September 30, 1991 (18:19 Md. R. 2098); August 17, 1992 (19:16 Md. R. 1473) Regulation .03D adopted effective February 19, 1990 (17:3 Md. R. 296) Regulations .04, .06, and .07B amended effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397) Regulation .04B amended effective February 27, 1984 (11:4 Md. R. 314) Regulation .06, .08—.09 amended effective October 22, 1984 (11:21 Md. R. 1810) Regulation .09B amended as an emergency provision effective September 15, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2466) Regulation .09B amended as an emergency provision effective July 3, 1989 (16:14 Md. R. 1563); emergency status expired October 20, 1989; amended permanently effective February 19, 1990 (17:3 Md. R. 296) Regulation .09B, E amended effective February 2, 1981 (7:22 Md. R. 2072) Regulation .09C repealed and new Regulation .09C—F adopted effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397) Regulation .12 amended effective October 22, 1984 (11:21 Md. R. 1810) Regulation .14 amended effective April 8, 1985 (12:7 Md. R. 699) Regulation .16C adopted effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397) Regulation .16D adopted effective October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2467) Regulation .16D amended effective August 3, 1992 (19:15 Md. R. 1388) Regulation .18 amended effective August 4, 1976 (3:16 Md. R. 852); October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397); February 2, 1981 (7:22 Md. R. 2072) Regulation .18D adopted effective May 4, 1987 (14:9 Md. R. 1079) Regulation .19B amended as emergency provision effective May 18, 1976 (3:12 Md. R. 641); adopted permanently at 3:16 Md. R. 852 Regulation .19B amended effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397); February 2, 1981 (7:22 Md. R. 2072) Regulation .20C adopted effective October 1, 1975 (2:22 Md. R. 1370) Regulation .20D amended effective February 2, 1981 (7:22 Md. R. 2072); October 22, 1984 (11:21 Md. R. 1810); August 3, 1992 (19:15 Md. R. 1388) Regulations .20 and .23 amended effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397) Regulation .21B, C amended effective October 22, 1984 (11:21 Md. R. 1810) Regulation .23A amended effective February 2, 1981 (7:22 Md. R. 2072) Regulations .24— .26 adopted effective July 9, 1975 (2:15 Md. R. 1069) Regulation .25H amended effective October 22, 1984 (11:21 Md. R. 1810) Regulation .27 adopted effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397) Regulation .28 adopted effective August 3, 1992 (19:15 Md. R. 1388) Chapter recodified from 08.08.01 to 08.07.06 pursuant to Executive Order 01.01.1982.10 Regulations .01— .28 repealed and new Regulations .01— .27 adopted effective October 11, 1993 (20:20 Md. R. 1568) Regulation .01B amended effective March 23, 2009 (36:6 Md. R. 490); November 23, 2015 (42:23 Md. R. 1433) Regulation .02 amended effective October 5, 1998 (25:20 Md. R. 1528); March 23, 2009 (36:6 Md. R. 490); November 23, 2015 (42:23 Md. R. 1433) Regulation .02E, F amended effective January 13, 2020 (47:1 Md. R. 12) Regulation .02I amended effective November 15, 2010 (37:17 Md. R. 1185) Regulation .03A amended effective August 1, 1994 (21:15 Md. R. 1303); February 13, 2006 (33:3 Md. R. 240) Regulation .19D adopted effective September 21, 2009 (36:19 Md. R. 1435) Regulation .25 amended effective May 25, 2026 (53:10 Md. R. 454) Regulation .27B amended effective March 31, 2003 (30:6 Md. R. 419)